Akwa-Ibom And Benue States Have The Highest HIV Prevalence – NACA

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has revealed that Akwa Ibom and Benue states, have the highest number of HIV positive cases in the country.

In the report, given by NACA,it was revealed that out of every 1,000 persons, 48 persons will most likely have the Human Immune Virus in Akwa Ibom and Benue states.

Subject to the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), the rate of HIV in Nigeria is 1.3%.

After Akwa-Ibom and Benue states, states with the second highest HIV prevalence are Taraba, Anambra and Abia states with 2.6%, 2.2%, and 2.0% HIV prevalence rate, while the Northern states have the lowest HIV prevalence rate.

NACA boss, Dr Gambo Aliyu, noted that the prevalence is very high in some communities because of the way people in such communities live, interact, socialise.

He also identified lack of awareness as one of the key factors that increases the prevalence of HIV. According to him individuals should have awareness about the disease, in terms of prevention measures, and the ability to apply those prevention measures.

Dr Gambo however, stated that the agency is working towards ensuring that everyone who is HIV positive is identified and immediately placed on treatment to contain the spread of the disease. This make Nigeria to achieve the “Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS” (UNAIDS) by ensuring that 95% of the massed know their HIV status, and placed on treatment.